A woman of vision and determination, Shivani Poddar co-founded the famous fashion company High Street Essentials (HSE) in 2012. With no background in fashion or technology, Shivani took a leap of faith into the competitive world of women’s fashion, and today, HSE is home to well-known brands like FabAlley and Indya.
Imagine leaving behind the world of finance to start a luxury fashion brand that stands for sustainability. Sounds like a dream? For Shivani Poddar, this dream became a reality with HSE, her fashion brand that's making waves in the industry.
From Finance to Fashion: A Leap of Faith
Ever felt like you were meant for something more? Shivani did. Though she was excelling in the finance world, something inside her kept pulling her toward fashion. That pull wasn’t just a passing thought — it was her calling.
Leaving the stability of her finance career behind, Shivani dove headfirst into fashion. She wasn't sure where the journey would take her, but she knew one thing: she had the skills, determination, and passion to make it work.
HSE: A Dream Designed in Every Stitch
In 2018, HSE was born — a luxury fashion brand with a twist. The twist? Sustainability. Shivani didn't just want to create beautiful clothes; she wanted to create a legacy that aligned with her values. HSE became her way of saying, "Fashion can be luxurious and eco-friendly."
💡 Want to know how she made it happen? Here's how she grew HSE:
- Sustainability at its Core: HSE didn’t just focus on chic designs; it became a champion of eco-friendly practices. Every piece crafted under HSE is made with the planet in mind.
- The Luxury of Timelessness: In a fast-paced fashion world, Shivani’s vision for HSE was about creating pieces that never go out of style.
Facing Challenges Head-On: The Realities of the Fashion World
The fashion industry isn’t all glamorous red carpets and runway shows. It’s tough, competitive, and unpredictable. Shivani quickly realized that her finance background wouldn’t be enough to conquer the fashion world. She had to learn everything — from design basics to manufacturing processes.
But instead of being discouraged, she used the skills from her corporate days: strategy, planning, and careful execution. With these tools, she transformed every obstacle into a stepping stone.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market: HSE's Secret Sauce
What made HSE stand out in the sea of fashion brands? The answer is simple: it wasn’t just about looking good — it was about feeling good, too. Each collection resonated with women who wanted to invest in timeless pieces that didn’t harm the planet.
HSE quickly became a favorite for those who cared about what they wore and how it was made.
🛍️ Want to know what made HSE viral? Here’s why people loved it:
- Sustainability: In an age where people are becoming more conscious of the environment, HSE’s eco-friendly approach was a game-changer.
- Timeless Luxury: Shivani wasn’t interested in trends; she wanted to create pieces that could be worn year after year.
The Power of Engagement: How HSE Grew
Shivani’s journey from finance to fashion wasn’t just about creating beautiful garments; it was about creating a brand that could engage with people on a deeper level. She leveraged social media to connect with her audience, gaining loyal followers who resonated with HSE's vision.
Here’s how HSE engaged with its audience:
- Polls & Interactions: Engaging with her audience via polls and feedback kept the conversation going. “What do you think of our new collection?” became a regular question on social platforms.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Sharing the creative process helped humanize the brand, showing followers that HSE wasn’t just about luxury — it was about the love and care put into every piece.
🚀 Want to engage like Shivani? Here are some strategies that worked for HSE:
- Interactive Stories: By sharing polls, quizzes, and behind-the-scenes content, Shivani kept her audience involved in every step.
- Real-Time Updates: Using Instagram Stories and YouTube for live updates kept the excitement alive.
A Legacy in the Making: HSE’s Future
Today, HSE is more than just a fashion brand — it’s a movement. With a strong commitment to sustainability and luxury, it’s influencing women everywhere to think about their fashion choices in a more conscious way.
And Shivani isn’t stopping here. She has big plans for HSE’s future, and we can’t wait to see where she takes it next.
Takeaways from Shivani’s Journey: The Ultimate Inspiration
- Follow Your Passion, But Do It Smartly: Shivani shows us that success isn’t just about following your dreams; it’s about combining your passion with a strategic mindset.
- Be Conscious: Sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s a movement that’s here to stay. HSE’s focus on eco-friendly practices has played a huge role in its success.
- Engage and Connect: Building a brand that resonates with your audience requires more than great products — it requires constant engagement.
Shivani Poddar’s story is proof that following your heart can lead you to extraordinary places. HSE isn’t just about fashion — it’s about creating something that aligns with your values and leaves a lasting impact.
ALSO READ, Surat Engineer Builds Rs 18 Cr Lehenga Brand, BL Fabric